Neotigason (Acitretin) is an oral retinoid medication used to treat patients with widespread psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, or severe congenital ichthyosis. It is a form of vitamin A that operates by suppressing excessive skin cell growth and keratinisation to prevent plaque formation, severe irritation, or thickening of the skin. Your physician may also prescribe this medication for other similar conditions.

How should I use Neotigason (Acitretin)?

Neotigason (Acitretin) should always be used according to your physician's instructions to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. One capsule is normally administered once daily, but your particular directions will depend on the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach, although a snack or meal is recommended prior to use if you experience nausea. Do not open or dissolve the contents of the capsules to prevent destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Note that it may take two to three months of administration before the desired effects occur.

What are the side effects of Neotigason (Acitretin)?

Side effects that may occur while using Neotigason (Acitretin) include:

Mild headaches

Nausea or vomiting

Upset stomach or diarrhea

Mild irritation or scaling of the skin

Dry or flaking skin

Thinning skin or easier bruising

Nosebleeds

Dry eyes

Hair loss

Insomnia

Weakened finger or toenails

Flushing of the skin

Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are blurry vision, tingling sensations, numbness in the extremities, depression, sores appearing in or around the mouth, chest pain, sudden coughing, swelling of the arms or legs, or jaundice. Stop using the medication and contact your physician immediately if you experience any severe or worrying symptoms to make sure any necessary adjustments are made to your dosage or application frequency to prevent further health problems from occurring.

Please Note

Neotigason (Acitretin) should not be used to treat patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking tetracycline antibiotics, allergic to retinoid medications, lactose intolerant, or who have uncontrolled cholesterol levels in the blood, high levels of vitamin A, decreased liver function, or decreased kidney function. Also inform your physician if you are an alcoholic, obese, have diabetes, or lipid metabolism disorders as these conditions may cause unexpected problems during treatment requiring special adjustments to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Neotigason (Acitretin). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.